Innovative Technologies: Organic Solar Cells

Abstract

forum.qk Where you live should not decide Whether you live or whether you die U2 “Crumbs From Your Table” (2004) Environews Forum A 300 VOLUME 113 | NUMBER 5 | May 2005 • Environmental Health Perspectives Growing Green Communities Advocates of green housing received a boost when the nonprofit Enterprise Foundation of Columbia, Maryland, announced that it plans to build 8,500 environmentally friendly, affordable homes through its Green Communities Initiative. Launched in September 2004, the Green Communities Initiative commits $550 mil- lion over five years to developers to con- struct housing units that promote health, conserve energy and natural resources, and are located near public transportation, jobs, social services, stores, and schools. The ini- tiative is led by the Enterprise Foundation and the Natural Resources Defense Council, with the support of several other organizations. The Denny Park Apartments, being built in Seattle, Washington, are a shining example of what can be achieved through the Green Communities Initiative. The project—the first recipient of funding through the Green Communities Init- iative—is being built by the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI), which develops and manages affordable housing units in Seattle. The six-story building will provide 50 units ranging from studios to three- bedroom apartments. The first tenants plan to move in by December 2005. Ten units will be reserved as transitional hous- ing for homeless families. The apartment building features numerous energy-saving features. It is located along an east–west axis to allow the units to capture more natural light through their oversized windows, reducing electricity bills. A central gas boiler will supply hot water and heat to all the units. “Gas is more efficient and less expensive than electricity in Seattle,” says architect Brian Sweeney, manager of development for LIHI. Moreover, hot-water heat makes people feel warmer at lower room temper- atures than electric heat, accordin

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